Indian community seek action against rising vandalism at Hindu temples

In a letter addressed to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke dated March 29, the Indian-American lawmakers have called upon the Department of Justice (DOJ) to clarify its strategy on combating hate crimes against Hindus

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Led by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, members of the Samosa Caucus are taking proactive steps to address the concerning surge in vandalism incidents targeting houses of worship, particularly Hindu temples, across the United States.

In a letter addressed to Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke dated March 29, the Indian-American lawmakers have called upon the Department of Justice (DOJ) to clarify its strategy on combating hate crimes against Hindus.

The signatories of the letter, including prominent figures such as Ro Khanna, Parmila Jayapal, Ami Bera, M.D., and Shri Thanedar, emphasize the urgency of the matter by requesting a briefing from the DOJ no later than Thursday, April 18th.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the letter underscores the alarming increase in incidents of vandalism at Hindu mandirs nationwide, causing heightened anxiety within the Hindu American community.

With perpetrators often remaining unidentified, the lack of progress in investigations has perpetuated a sense of fear and intimidation among affected communities. The lawmakers express concern over the coordination of law enforcement efforts in addressing these bias-motivated crimes, emphasizing the need for federal oversight to ensure equal protection under the law.

Furthermore, the letter draws attention to the potential linkages between these acts of vandalism and emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America. Urging the DOJ to outline its specific strategy concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus, the lawmakers stress the imperative for immediate action to address the escalating threat to religious freedom and community security.

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